stalagmite

[ stuh-lag-mahyt, stal-uhg-mahyt ]

noun

1. a deposit, usually of calcium carbonate, more or less resembling an inverted stalactite, formed on the floor of a cave or the like by the dripping of percolating calcareous water.

stalagmite

/ ˌstæləɡˈmɪtɪk; ˈstæləɡˌmaɪt /

noun

1. See stalactite
   a cylindrical mass of calcium carbonate projecting upwards from the floor of a limestone cave: formed by precipitation from continually dripping water Compare stalactite

stalagmite

/ stə-lăg′mīt′ /

1. A cylindrical or conical mineral deposit, similar to a stalactite but built up from the floor of a cave or cavern. Stalagmites are typically broader than stalactites. The two formations are often, but not always, paired, and they sometimes join at a midpoint to form a pillar.
2. Compare stalactite

Derived Forms

• stalagmitic, adjective

Other Words From

• stal·ag·mit·ic [stal-, uh, g-, mit, -ik], stalag·miti·cal adjective
• stalag·miti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of stalagmite¹

1675–85; < New Latin stalagmites < Greek stálagm ( a ) a drop ( stalag-, stem of stalássein to drip + -ma noun suffix of result) + New Latin -ites -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of stalagmite¹

C17: from New Latin stalagmites , from Greek stalagmos dripping; related to Greek stalassein to drip; compare stalactite

Example Sentences

These were frequently buried beneath deposits of stalagmite and other materials that must have taken a long time to accumulate.

From Project Gutenberg

Stalagmite with a few bones and antlers of reindeer, the thickness varying from one to fifteen inches.

From Project Gutenberg

The evidences from peat bogs, stalagmite formations, stone, iron and bronze tools are all now considered unreliable by scientists.

From Project Gutenberg

Slow water fell drop by drop from the point of the stalactite upon the point of the stalagmite.

From Project Gutenberg

This stalagmite is much deeper in colour and less translucent than the onyx marbles of Algeria and Mexico.

From Project Gutenberg